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We had a great turnout Monday, and all three candidates answered questions submitted by our members. You can watch the forum on our Facebook page by clicking here.
Meet the Candidates (bio information below is alphabetical order)...
Candidate Mayor Quentin Hart
Now serving his third term, Quentin Hart is the first African American to serve as Mayor of Waterloo, Iowa. Hart took the office in January 2016. He served three terms as Ward 4 Councilman from 2008 through 2015 including an appointment as first African American Mayor Pro-Tem for the City of Waterloo.
Previously, Mayor Hart provided leadership for multicultural initiatives and promoting awareness and appreciation for diversity on campus and the community as Associate Director of Multicultural Affairs for Hawkeye Community College. He received his MAE in Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs from the University of Northern Iowa and has a BA in Sociology from Minnesota State and a Liberal Arts Degree from Iowa Central Community College. Hart serves with the US Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, Accelerator for America Advisory Board, National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE), and President-elect of the Iowa League of Cities as wells as numerous regional and state organizations and appointments.
Candidate Margaret Klein
Born in Emmetsburg, Iowa, my family moved to Waterloo before I was one year old.
My father was a German immigrant and my mother was born in America. Dad worked at Rath and Mom worked at Chamberlain.
My 4 sisters and I grew up on a dirt street, called Phillips Street and then 1136 Independence Ave. I attended St. John Catholic grade school, Columbus Catholic high school, and the University of Northern Iowa.
Max, who is retired from John Deere, and I have been married for 52 years. We have 7 children, 24 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild.
I supplemented the family income by working for the Catholic schools. 5 years ago, I first ran for the city council in Ward 1. I lost.
The very next year, I ran for the city council and won. I have served nearly 4 years and been amazed at the things I have seen and learned.
Candidate Sophia Mays
Sophia Mays is a United States veteran and is a resident of Waterloo, Ia. Attending school at the Waterloo community School. Elementary at Lincoln School. Went to Logan Intermediate and is graduated of Waterloo East High School. After graduating in 1999, she decided to join the Army. She was in the army for two years before she decided to leave the Army and to come home to Waterloo and has lived here in the city ever since. In trying to finding what she wanted to do she attended Hawkeye Community college where she received her certification in CNC Machining. She then switched her studies to liberal arts and has been more interested in the business aspect of Liberal Arts. she has worked construction jobs in trenching communication wiring. Working other jobs such as Tyson Foods cleaning and has also worked at Hy-Vee on Logan Ave. In 2008 she joined the campaign for Barack Obama as a volunteer an became involved in politics. Iowa was the deciding factor for whether or not Barack would win. Waterloo was very involved in that win. Sophia is considers herself as one who would do the work needed to be done.